Reacting to the video, not gonna lie, I kinda dig gamifying life. The street warnings are a nice touch, the “get off” bus feature is nice, making the mall nicer is also welcomed (why spend resources on a nice mall when you can have it virtual?).
But yeah, ads, loyalty point, buying shit just to “feed” a virtual dog. I am getting both good and bad vibes. But knowing humans and greedy corporations, this wouldn’t end well.
It all feels bad to me. What feels oppressive to me is the implication that it’s obligatory, not optional. It’s not your choice. In the reality of that video, you can’t function in society and escape the lights, ads, signs, loyalty points, warnings, suggestions, and on and on. It’s like pop up ads on a dodgy website. People who don’t have your best interest in mind have constructed the environment for you.
I agree with your view, but I’d say it does not feel obligatory, but rather that when not using it, you are at a disadvantage. Like WeChat. Sure, it is not required, but you won’t be able to text your friends, you won’t be able to send money, you won’t be able to pay. But guess what, the platform makes enough money to pay the companies to require it, which makes them more money, which brings more people to the platform - and enshittifycation begins.
It really is a good video.
If you don’t mind jail, physical injury, lack of employment, inability to pay for shopping, or, as you mention, online social exclusion, sure many things are not “obligatory”. Almost nothing is “obligatory” in the sense that you can’t physically move your body to do otherwise. “Obligatory” usually means that, if you don’t do the thing, you’ll face unsavory consequences. The person in the video clearly did not like the life they were living.
Yes, it’s really excellent.
Technically, you could live in the modern world without a computer, smartphone or regular access to the internet.
Realistically, you will be essentially unbanked, have trouble filing job applications or even searching for jobs, be basically unable to check your credit report or freeze your credit or otherwise protect yourself from identity fraud, struggle to file your taxes manually and otherwise have poor access to government services, and have a very difficult time searching for an apartment/home to rent/buy, or filing a mortgage application. If you aren’t a property owner already and/or have a good family support structure, lack of regular internet access makes you more than disadvantaged. I’d say it puts you one bad day away from crippling debt and homelessness.
